Robert Burns Night

Robert Burns Night History

Burns Night is a Scottish and Northern Irish tradition that commemorates the life and works of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. This observation is also called Robert Burns Day and focuses on honoring Burns through a combination of his poetry, traditional Scottish food, and lively cultural festivities. It is popular not only in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but it has also gained traction in other countries with significant populations of Scots and Irish or their descendants, including the United States.

Robert Burns, born in 1759, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important poets in history. His works, written in both English and the Scots dialect, captured the essence of the Scottish nation during the 18th century, impacting writers and poets for centuries to come. Burns Night has been celebrated since the early 1800s, giving people of Scottish and Irish descent or those interested in their cultural heritage a way to reconnect with their roots. This observance provides a glimpse into Scottish and Irish history, highlighting their strong attachment to their cultural identity and offering a valuable learning experience.

Burns Night in the United States typically follows the same format as the celebrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Scottish societies, cultural organizations, or groups of individuals host Burns Night events that often include traditional dishes, such as haggis, and recitations of Burns's poetry. Attendees might dress in kilts or other traditional attire, and the night may also include bagpipe performances and lively ceilidh dancing. This celebration typically occurs around the same time as observed in Scotland and Northern Ireland, which is on or near January 25th, Burns's birthday.

Robert Burns Night Facts

• While the first celebration of Burns Night Occurred in July 1801, it is estimated that today more than 9.5 million people around the world celebrate Buns Supper each year.
• The largest collection of Robert Burn’s work is said to be in Glasgow’s Mitchell Library. His work there has been translated into almost 30 different languages.
• The first Burns Club was founded in Pennsylvania in 1822, and since then, many more have been established all over the United States.
• Robert Burns' poetry was first published in America in 1788. By the mid-19th century, there were at least 60 different American editions of his work in print, demonstrating his widespread appeal and popularity in the United States.
• The tradition of celebrating Robert Burns' life and work on his birthday (January 25) with a Burns Supper has been a popular event in the United States since the early 19th century.

In the News and Trending in the US for Robert Burns Night

Robert Burns Night Top Things to Do

• Explore the history of Burns Night.
• Read The Burns Encyclopedia by Maurice Lindsay.
• Gather friends and family for a traditional Burns Supper, complete with haggis, neeps, tatties, and a toast to the 'immortal memory' of Robert Burns.
• Many Irish pubs across the United States hold Burns Night celebrations, featuring live music, whiskey tastings, and haggis on the menu.
• Some organizations, such as the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, host Burns Night dances where attendees can participate in traditional Scottish dances and enjoy live music.